The ZTZ99, also known as Type 99, industrial designation WZ123,manufactured by China Northern Industries Group Corporation is the most advanced main battle tank fielded by the Chinese Army (PLA). First entering service for the PLA in late 2001, the ZTZ99 provides a significant improvement in firepower, mobility, and protection compared to older Chinese-made tanks. As a ‘high-end’ MBT, the ZTZ99 was only built in a small number (less than 200) due to its high unit price of about $1.9 million in 1999. These tanks are currently deployed by two elite armor regiments in Beijing and Shenyang Military Region. The technology of the ZTZ9 9 has been used to upgrade the less expensive ZTZ96.

Variants :

Type 99G: CNGC has been deploying a further modified version of the ZTZ99, possibly known as ZTZ99G. A photo released by the Chinese official Xinhua News Agency in February 2008 revealed an improved variant of the ZTZ99 that features newly designed observation and active protection system (APS). The commander viewer of the new tank appears to be slightly larger than that of the basic variant ZTZ99, suggesting a possible independent commander thermal imaging viewer.Type 99A: Successor to the Type 99G and predecessor to the Type 99A1.Type 99A1: The Type 99A1 is the latest version in service of the PLA while the the more advanced variant the Type 99A2 is still in various trials and is not expected to enter service before the end of 2009. While the earlier Type 99 that entered service several years ago had additional armor packages on the original Type 98 turret and the chassis, the Type 99A1 has its turret top reshaped, having the hump on the turret's top removed by thickening it. This might be the result for changing the height of the turret itself to improve more protection or more space for the tank commander and gunner. Other distinct details are the armor packages on the front and at its sides, the ERA panels have been extended. The Type 99A1 might also have received further upgrades in terms of targeting computers etc.Type 99A2: The much-improved Type 99 variant, with many major upgrades and improvements. Improvements are so significant that the A2 can almost be considered as a new tank. Some of the improvement and upgrades include a reaction improved aiming system, a digital battlefield information terminal, a newly designed arrow-shaped armor, a larger turret, an expanded tail chamber, an Active Protection System mounted on the turret with millimeter-wave radar, a new commander's periscope and an Integrated Propulsion SystemType 99KM: Newest and much-improved Type 99 variant, with upgraded modular active protection system, upgraded JD-4 active laser defense system, and is armed with a 155 mm gun capable of launching missiles and next-generation kinetic rounds. Reports have it that the Type 99KM is at least 10 years ahead of other MBTs.

The main armament of the ZTZ99 is composed with a dual-axis fully-stabilised 125 mm/50-calibre ZPT98 smoothbore gun with a carousel-style autoloader, a thermal sleeve, and a fume extractor. The gun can be fired by either electronics or manual control. The gun barrel can be replaced within one hour. Loading is mechanical with 41 rounds carried inside the turret and vehicle hull while 22 rounds are stored within the autoloader. The gun can fire about 8 rounds per minute using autoloader and 1~2 rounds per minute with manual loading. Ammunition includes armour-piercing fin stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS), high explosive anti-tank (HEAT), and high explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG) projectiles. The ZTZ99 can also firing the Russian anti-tank guided missile 9M119 Refleks, who is produced in China under a local licence. In addition to the main gun, the ZTZ99 is armed with a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, mounted on the commander's cupola. A coaxial machine gun of 7,62 mm calibre is mounted to the right side of the gun. The tank is fitted with two five-barrelled smoke grenade launchers, one on each side of the turret. Additional smoke can be generated by injecting diesel fuel in to the engine's exhaust.

Protection

The hull and the turret of the ZTZ 99 are of all-welded steel armour construction. In addition to the ballistic protection, the ZTZ 99 is equipped with ERA (Explosive Reaction Armor) armor mounted to the front of the hull and the turret. For his self-protection the ZTZ99 is equipped with a countermeasures system mounted on the turret roof, with laser warning receiver, and laser self-defence weapon.

Propulsion

The Type 99 is powered by a 1,500-hp turbo-charged diesel engine based on German technology. Weighing 54 tons fully loaded the Type 99 has top speed of 80 km/h on-road or 60 km/h on off-road. There are six dual rubber-tyred road wheels, two rubber-tyred track support rollers, a drive sprocket at the rear, and an idler at the front. The upper part of the track is protected by a light-weight rubber skirt.

Accessories

The ZTZ99 is equipped with an over-pressure collective NBC protection and a fully automatic fire suppression system. The radio operator communication systems include HF/VHF radio and a laser communication device. The standard version of the ZTZ99 is equipped with a snorkel. The snorkel system allows the tank to cross water obstacles up to 5 meters, after some preparation of the crew.